WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 7228

Prohibits any gas or electric corporation from absolving itself from liability for service interruption arising from liability of employee negligence

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gianaris and 1 co-sponsor

Prohibits gas and electric firms from shielding themselves from liability for service interruptions caused by their employees’ negligence.

COMMITTED TO RULES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 7228

Bill Summary — S 7228

Overview

S 7228 is a New York Senate bill introduced on April 4, 2025, titled: “Prohibits any gas or electric corporation from absolving itself from liability for service interruption arising from liability of employee negligence.” The bill seeks to prevent gas or electric utilities from waiving or immunizing themselves from liability for interruptions in service that originate from the negligence of their own employees. The primary sponsor is Michael Gianaris, with Brad Hoylman-Sigal listed as a cosponsor. The bill has progressed through committee and floor actions and is currently “COMMITTED TO RULES.”

What the bill would do (Key provisions)

  • Prohibit gas and electric corporations from absolving themselves from liability for service interruptions when the interruption results from the negligence of the utility’s employees.
  • Render any waivers, immunities, or liability limitations for such interruptions void or unenforceable, to ensure accountability for service disruptions caused by employee negligence.
  • Potentially clarify that customers (or other harmed parties) may retain the ability to seek remedies for interruptions tied to the negligence of utility employees. (Note: the specific remedies and processes would be set forth in the bill text; the summary here reflects the stated intent.)

Who is affected

  • Primary entities: Gas and electric corporations operating in the state.
  • Employees of those corporations (in the context of negligence impacting service).
  • Customers and consumers who experience service interruptions attributed to employee negligence.
  • Regulators and the judiciary, which would interpret and enforce liability standards under the bill.

Legislative history and status (as of current version)

  • Introduced: April 4, 2025
  • Referred to: Energy and Telecommunications (April 4, 2025)
  • 1st Report CAL.: May 19, 2025
  • 2nd Report CAL.: May 20, 2025
  • Advanced to Third Reading: May 21, 2025
  • COMMITTED TO RULES: May 21, 2025 (and again noted June 13, 2025)
  • Sponsors: Michael Gianaris (primary), Brad Hoylman-Sigal (cosponsor)

Related legislation

  • Related or prior-session bills: S 2431, S 566, S 2533, S 2674, S 1284, S 1247, S 173

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Consumer protection: The bill strengthens accountability by ensuring utilities cannot shield themselves from liability related to service interruptions caused by their employees.
  • Utility operations and costs: Utilities may review safety and maintenance practices to minimize negligence and potential liability, which could influence investment and operating decisions.
  • Legal landscape: If enacted, the bill would shape how liability is determined in cases of service interruptions and could affect insurance and risk management strategies for gas and electric utilities.
  • Fiscal impact: No fiscal analysis is provided in the summary; consider potential changes in litigation costs, regulatory compliance, and reliability investments.

Why this matters

The bill targets a core issue of reliability and accountability in essential utility services. By restricting liability shielding for employee negligence, it aims to ensure that service interruptions—when caused by utility employee actions—remain within the scope of the utility’s responsibility to customers and the public.

For readers seeking deeper understanding, consider reviewing the full text once available to see defined terms (e.g., what constitutes “service interruption” and “negligence”), procedural steps for enforcement, and any exceptions or timelines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.